5 Minutes With... Campbell Hastie, Go2Guys

Campbell Hastie of Go2Guys says he enjoys competitive wood chopping outside of broking.

Campbell Hastie of Go2Guys says focus on a niche to develop your business. 

Why did you get into mortgage broking?
Lots of reasons that all came together at once but it was basically an opportunity to do something meaningful and to be in control of it.

How would you sum up mortgage advisers in three words?
The only option

What advice would you give to a new mortgage adviser?
Building a steady flow of commission might take some time so have something in reserve. It means you can focus on doing good work rather than be distracted by having to earn a dollar. 

How would you change the industry?
I’m a fan of a licencing regime for Financial Advisers where you have a basic level of competency and then move on to be endorsed for different advice streams. It would remove the silly distinctions you’ve currently got around AFA vs RFA, retail vs wholesale, personalised vs class none of which actually help a potential customer decide if you’ve got the chops to help them or not.

What’s the most important thing an adviser can do to develop their business?
Focus on a specific niche, claim that ground and become known for it.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
If you’re flogging a dead horse, dismount (Haven’t always followed it though!)

If you were Prime Minister for one day, what would you do?
Go to lunch with my wife. I reckon the country would run fine for a day without politicians doing anything.

What has been the highlight of your career?
We’re lucky because we get the thrill of working for people who are doing something exciting and positive – buying a house. It amounts to a highlight most weeks.

What’s your favoured style of coffee?
Flattie. Blue milk, strong roast. None of that trim or decaf rubbish for me.

Union, league, soccer or other?
Competitive wood chopping actually. 

If you could invite three people to dinner, dead or alive, and excluding family and friends, who would they be and why?
James Dilworth because I’d love to thank him for creating the school I went to. Arnie because he’s such a legend and Michael Jackson because I love his songs.

Complete this sentence: If I wasn’t in mortgage broking, I would be…
Working for myself, maybe as a fly fishing guide.

Every Monday we’ll feature a different mortgage adviser from across New Zealand. If you’d like to be included, please email us here.